Do June Bugs Bite? Identifying Bug Bites and Stings

Do June Bugs Bite?

June bugs, also known as May beetles or June beetles, are a common type of scarab beetle that are active during late spring and early summer. Many people wonder if these large, bumbling insects pose any risk in terms of biting or stinging humans. Read on to find out if june bugs bite and how to identify their bites.

The June Bug

June bugs are in the family Scarabaeidae, which includes scarab beetles. There are around 200 different species of june bugs in the United States. Some of the most common species include:

• Green June Beetle
• Ten-Lined June Beetle
• Figeater Beetle
• Japanese Beetle
• European Chafer

June bugs are characterized by their large size, often between 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches long, and their thick, white larva that live underground. The larvae feed on plant roots while the adults feed on fruits and leaves.

Do June Bugs Bite Humans?

June bugs do not bite humans. Unlike some insects like mosquitoes, June beetles do not have mouths or mandibles that can pierce human skin. Instead, they have chewing mouthparts meant for eating plant matter only.

So if a June bug lands on you, it's unlikely to bite, but its large, clumsy size and rapid movements may startle you.

June Bug Bites vs Other Insect Bites

Since June beetles don’t bite, any insect bites resembling june bug bites are likely from other biting insects common during summer. Insect bites that could be mistaken for june bug bites include:

• Mosquito bites: Cause small, red, itchy bumps on the skin.
• Flea bites: Result in red bumps often in groups of three or four, extremely itchy.
• Bed bug bites: Appear as small clusters of red, raised welts, very itchy.
• Spider bites: Lead to redness, swelling, pain, or pus at the bite site, sometimes with symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea.

So while June beetles themselves do not bite, their presence outside does signal warmer weather when other biting pests like mosquitoes and fleas become more prevalent.

Are June Bugs Dangerous to Humans?

While June bugs do not bite humans, some people do wonder if they can be dangerous in other ways, such as:

• Spreading Disease: June bugs do not transmit diseases to humans or pets.
• Stinging: June beetles also lack stingers and cannot sting like bees or wasps.
• Causing Injuries: On very rare occasions, if a June bug flies into your ear, eye, or other body opening it may cause minor pain or injury related to its intrusion.

For most people though, June bugs are simply a nuisance when they fly inside your home or swarm outside porch lights. They can also damage gardens and lawns if large numbers of grubs infest the soil.

Identifying Bug Bites

Since June bugs don’t bite, it’s important to be able to correctly identify the insect bite or sting you suffered so you can get appropriate treatment.

Signs of an Insect Bite

Common signs of an insect bite include:

• Red bump or raised welt at the bite site
• Itching, stinging, burning, or skin irritation around the bite
• Swelling at the bite location
• Small blisters or pus-filled bubbles
• Hardened, dark colored skin reactions

Bites may appear within minutes or could take a day or longer to fully emerge depending on your sensitivity and the insect involved.

Symptoms of Severe Reaction

In rare cases, some people may experience signs of a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting or bite that requires emergency care. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Racing heart rate
• Abdominal pain and cramping

If someone suffers any of these symptoms after an apparent insect bite, call 911 or seek emergency help right away.

Treatment for Insect Bites and Stings

To treat a minor insect sting or bite, be sure to:

• Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling and pain
• Avoid itching or scratching the area to prevent infection
• Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to lessen itching
• Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine to relieve itching
• See your doctor if signs worsen or you experience abnormal symptoms

When to Seek Medical Care

You should seek prompt medical treatment for insect bites or stings if you:

• Have severe swelling at the bite site
• Have blisters or ulceration around the bite
• Are experiencing abnormal symptoms like seizure or difficulty breathing
• Believe you were bitten by a venomous spider like a black widow or brown recluse
• Have symptoms of anaphylaxis like trouble breathing, nausea, racing heart rate
• Have a weakened immune system or other medical conditions putting you at higher risk

Severe reactions can be treated more effectively when addressed rapidly with prescription medications like epinephrine, steroids, or antibiotics if an infection develops.

Preventing Bites and Stings

While June bugs don’t bite, avoiding insect bites and stings from other insects during warmer months does require some care including:

• Apply insect repellent when spending time outdoors
• Wear light colored, long sleeved shirts and pants when feasible
• Stay away from areas with still water where mosquitoes breed
• Keep food properly stored and sealed to avoid attracting insects
• Install window and door screens in your home
• Inspect bedding and furniture for signs of bed bugs
• Be careful handling firewood or items stored in sheds or garages where spiders may lurk

Taking preventative measures allows you to worry less about bug bites from pesky insects so you can enjoy the outdoors during summer!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.